Sparring knife with marking system

ABSTRACT

A simulated sharp edged sparring weapon with a simulated blade, having a channel ingrained along one or both edges thereof or a chalk retaining member removably attached to the blade. The weapon is used to mark with ink, chalk, or other marking material. A marking-compound retaining and wicking member is seated within each channel, and a handle is attached to the blade. Each marking-compound retaining and wicking member preferably comprises a strip of material adhered along the edge of the blade. A reservoir, for containing ink, is within the weapon and is in fluid communication with the marking-compound-retaining and wicking member. The weapon includes a means for urging ink from the reservoir onto the marking-compound-retaining and wicking member. Chalk applied liberally to the marking-compound retaining member will adhere thereto until it comes into contact with another surface, whereupon it marks said surface. Ink added to the reservoir and urged onto the marking-compound-retaining and wicking member will likewise adhere thereto until it comes into contact with another surface, whereupon it marks said surface. The knife can be used for sparring, teaching and training, and will clearly mark each strike. When the chalk or ink is depleted, it may be recharged.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application derives priority from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application 60/439,692 for “SPARRING KNIFE”, filed Jan. 13, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to sparring implements and, and inparticular, to a martial arts training knife with soft chalk-retainingand wicking members seated in a channel along the edge of the blade andcommunicating with a reservoir of marking material, for impartingmarkings to one's opponent.

[0004] 2. Description of the Background

[0005] Self defense and combat training are more beneficial activitieswhen they are realistic. Consequently, it is helpful in teaching orpracticing self defense training for hand-to-hand knife combat to use asimulated sharp edged instrument. Many law enforcement and self defenseschools use rubber knives or wooden sticks. However, such devices leaveno indication of where a strike was made, and this deprives theparticipant of an essential element of positive and/or negativefeedback. There is a clear need for simulated weapons that are capableof marking the location of a strike, and there have been a number ofprior efforts to provide this capability.

[0006] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,756 to Taylor issued Dec. 29,1992 discloses a simulated knife with an ink absorbing edge affixable tothe edge of the blade, a handle attached to the blade, an ink reserve,means for allowing ink to flow from the ink reserve means to the inkabsorbing edge thereby allowing the ink absorbing edge to contain inktherein wherein the ink absorbing edge of the blade marks an area withink upon contact therewith.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,261 to Dietzman issued Jun. 9, 1992 shows atoy nunchuk with an interior reservoir and a valve for imparting fluidupon striking an opponent.

[0008] While the foregoing patents are generally directed to sparringindicators, they tend to suggest the use of ink flowing arbitrarily froman ink reservoir in the handle outward along felt dispensing elements.Thin liquid ink, which can freely flow through felt elements, is aproblem inasmuch as it is messy and inconsistent. A thinner ink resultsin spraying, especially with the velocities attained by the tip of theknife in the heat of vigorous combat. A thicker ink often fails to marka strike, especially a low-velocity strike such as a frontal jab.Moreover, ink indiscriminately released from an internal reservoir tendsto create an imbalance in the knife, and this detracts from the trainingexperience. There simply is no known way of effectually, smoothly andreliably applying ink under sparring circumstances.

[0009] There remains a need for a sparring implement with a morereliable and consistent form of indicator that is also washable andeconomical.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to providean improved martial arts training knife with one or more softmarking-compound-retaining and wicking members seated in a channel alongthe edge of the blade for indicating strikes by imparting chalk or inkmarkings to one's opponent.

[0011] It is a specific object to provide a more consistent applicatorthat does not rely on a relatively large internal reservoir, and whichtherefore does not create an imbalance in the knife that detracts fromthe training experience.

[0012] It is another object to provide a more consistent applicator thatreleases ink on demand, and which therefore does not create an over orunder abundance of released ink.

[0013] It is a general object to provide a sparring implement thateffectually, smoothly and reliably applies a marking substance under allsparring circumstances.

[0014] It is still another object to provide a sparring implement thatis economical to manufacture and sell.

[0015] It is another object to provide an alternative embodiment forretrofit to an existing martial arts training knife that includes softchalk-retaining members adhered to the edge of the existing knife bladefor indicating strikes by imparting chalk markings to one's opponent.

[0016] The foregoing and other objects are accomplished by providing asimulated sharp edged sparring weapon having a simulated blade with achannel ingrained along one or both edges. A marking-compound retainingand wicking member is seated within each channel. Each marking-compoundretaining and wicking member preferably comprises a strip of clothrolled about a foam tubule, and seat in the channel along the edge ofthe blade. In one embodiment, the handle, which contains a smallreservoir and a pressurizer for urging marking compound (here ink)internally into the marking-compound retaining and wicking member, isattached to the blade. The pressurizer may be the handle itself, whichwhen squeezed impregnates the marking-compound retaining and wickingmember with ink, whereupon it marks a surface with which it comes incontact. The ink is preferably of relatively thick consistency so thatthere is no perceptible sensation of moving weight within the knifehandle, during use. Alternatively, chalk may be applied externally tothe marking-compound retaining and wicking member(s). In either case,chalk or ink absorbed into the marking-compound retaining and wickingmember will adhere thereto until it comes into contact with anothersurface, whereupon it marks said surface. When the chalk/ink is depletedafter sparring, another application refreshes the marking-compoundretaining member(s) and the knife is ready for more sparring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present inventionwill become more apparent from the following detailed description of thepreferred embodiment and certain modifications thereof when takentogether with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section perspective drawing of a martialarts sparring knife according to the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0019]FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of the martial arts sparring knifeas in FIG. 1, showing compressed state of the handle, in dotted lines.

[0020]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0021]FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of a martial arts sparring knife200 according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention whichuses chalk.

[0022]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective drawing of the martial artssparring knife 200 as in FIG. 4.

[0023]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of chalk retaining member 206.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024]FIG. 1 is a perspective longitudinal section drawing of a martialarts sparring knife 2 according to the present invention which generallycomprises a handle 14 connected to a simulated blade 8. The knife 2incorporates soft marking-compound-retaining and wicking members 6seated in a channel 4 along one or both edges of the simulated blade 8in order to impart markings to one's opponent to indicate a strike. Areservoir 10 occupies the interior portion of the handle 14 of knife 2,and the reservoir 10 is bounded at the distal end by a screw-on end cap16. One or more conduits 12 are formed near the edges of the simulatedblade 8, conduits 12 running peripherally along the blade 8 into fluidcommunication with reservoir 10 at one end, to the softmarking-compound-retaining and wicking material 6 at the other end. Theconfiguration as shown in FIG. 1 allows for a more realistic simulatedweapon. It looks real, feels real, and it handles well due to its evenbalance.

[0025] The blade 8 is contoured to simulate virtually any type ofsharp-edged weapon including the illustrated double-edged knife. Singleedged knives, sabers, machetes, hatchets and butterfly knives are alsopossible. Preferably, the blade 8 is stiff but slightly flexible so asto avoid injury when a strike is made during sparring. A flexible rubberor soft plastic will suffice.

[0026]FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of the martial arts sparring knife2 as in FIG. 1. The illustrated blade 8 is formed with a continuouschannel 4 running along the edge. The channel 4 is uniformly shaped soas to be capable of holding marking-compound retaining and wickingmembers 6. The approximate depth of the channel 4 is 1-6 mm, asindicated by a dotted line around the perimeter of the blade 8, shown inFIG. 2. The soft marking-compound-retaining and wicking material 6 isformed of felt or of cloth wrapped around a foam tubule and is securedby glue or other adhesive. Each marking-compound-retaining and wickingmember 6 is preferably formed of cloth with a higher wool content that'sthicker, woven from worsted yarn, and nap-free to eliminate pilling orshedding for longer life. Since the marking-compound-retaining andwicking members 6 are glued, they can be removed from the device andreplaced if the need arises. The channel also serves to retain the softmarking-compound-retaining and wicking material in place on the edge ofthe blade 8.

[0027] A plurality of marking-compound-retaining and wicking members 6and a quantity of ink (not shown) and/or chalk is provided in kit formalong with the knife 2. The ink is preferably a viscous washable ink.Conventional calcium carbonate chalk in block form is used, preferablydyed to yield a high-visibility color.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the blade 8 together with themarking-compound-retaining and wicking member(s) 6, is attached to thehandle 14. The handle 14 may likewise be formed as a conventional knifehandle but of flexible and resilient material, such as rubber orplastic. The reservoir 10 (see FIG. 1) is accessed by removal of the endcap 16 attached to the distal end of the handle 14. The end cap 16 isthreaded and mated with a corresponding set of threads provided on thedistal end of the handle 14, as shown in FIG. 1. The end cap 16 isscrewed tight, to seal the reservoir 10, in watertight fashion. Thehandle 14 is opened, the reservoir 10 filled with ink, and the handle 14closed with the end cap 16. The user may squeeze the handle 14 tocompress the reservoir 10, as indicated by the dotted lines, in FIG. 2,to urge ink through the conduit 12 (not shown in FIG. 2) and onto thesoft marking-compound-retaining and wicking member 6. The user may alsosqueeze the blade 8 to release the ink to the marking-compound-retainingand wicking member 6. In this way, the user controls the flow of inkfrom the reservoir 10 to the soft marking-compound-retaining and wickingmember 6.

[0029] The sparring knife is used with chalk to mark the strike, ratherthan ink. In that case, chalk is generally applied to themarking-compound-retaining and wicking member 6 and there is no need toopen the handle 14 to fill the reservoir 10 with ink.

[0030]FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention having astiff handle 141, which, like handle 14, has an ink reservoir. Amodified end cap 161 with a through bore attaches to the stiff handle141 in the same manner as the end cap 16 attaches to the handle 14. Aplunger 18 is formed with a shaft 20 having a first end and a secondend. The shaft 20 is slideably engaged within the through bore of themodified cap 161, such that the first end extends into the reservoir 10and the second end extends outward from the modified cap 161. A plate 22is attached to the first end of the shaft 20 and a push pad 24 isattached to the second end of the shaft 20. When the reservoir 10 issupplied with ink and the modified cap 161 is screwed in place on thestiff handle 141, the plate 22 contacts the supply of ink and arelatively large portion of the shaft 20 protrudes from the modified cap161. The user may press the push pad 24 to advance the plate 22 againstthe supply of ink; thereby urging the ink from the reservoir 10, throughthe conduit 12 and onto the marking-compound-retaining and wickingmember 6. It will be appreciated that other means may be used forapplying pressure to the ink supply. Air pressure from a pump or othersource is a suitable means for applying pressure.

[0031] The embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-3 may berecharged with ink by removing the end cap 16 or the modified end cap161, and refilling the reservoir 10. The improved means of urging theink onto the marking-compound-retaining and wicking member 6 allows theuse of ink having a relatively thick consistency. The thicker ink willnot readily splatter nor slosh around within the reservoir 10 as athinner ink is prone to do.

[0032] As an alternative, mock combatants may wish to mark their strikeswith chalk in lieu of ink.

[0033]FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of a martial arts sparring knife200 according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention whichincorporates soft chalk-retaining member(s) 206 adhered along one orboth edges of a simulated blade 208 in order to impart chalk markings toone's opponent to indicate a strike. The configuration as shown in FIG.4 also allows for a realistic simulated weapon.

[0034]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective drawing of the martial artssparring knife 200 as in FIG. 4. The illustrated blade 208 is formedwith two edges. The edges are uniformly shaped so as to be capable ofholding chalk retaining member 206. Chalk retaining member 206 is formedof suitable chalk adhering material adhered along both edges.

[0035] Along with the knife 200, a plurality of chalk markers 210 areprovided in kit form. Conventional calcium carbonate chalk in block formis used, preferably dyed to yield a high-visibility color.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 6, at least one chalk retaining member 206 isprovided (two can be used for opposing edges). Chalk retaining member(s)206 are preferably formed of a rolled strip of cloth 212 with a higherwool content that's thicker, woven from worsted yarn. Moleskin cloth ispreferred. Moleskin is a heavy sateen weave fabric made on a 5-end or an8-end satin construction with the use of heavy, soft-spun filling inorder to provide for a good napped surface effect. The fabric is wovenunder tension to produce a tight weave: to 280 threads per inch in thewarp. The weave also produces excellent chalk retention characteristics.Carded cotton yarn is used and the fabric is napped and sheared toprovide what is actually a suede-effect. This cotton moleskin fabric isextremely durable, and the sheared pile actually protects the surfacefrom abrasion and wear.

[0037] The cloth strip 212 is equipped with a self-adhesive temporaryglue backing 213 with removable paper strip 214 so that it can beadhered along the edge of the blade 208 (on a marginal area of the bladeedge). The temporary glue allows strip 212 to be removed from the deviceand replaced if need be.

[0038] The blade 208 together with the chalk retaining member(s) 206, isattached to a handle 218. The handle 218 may likewise be formed as aconventional knife handle formed of metal or the like, and may be softermaterial such as plastic or light wood.

[0039] To be capable of marking a strike, the paper backing is removedand a strip of the moleskin/adhesive member 206 is laid out on a table.The tip of the knife is pressed to the center as shown in FIG. 5, andthe moleskin member 206 is draped up over the edges for adhesionthereto. A chalk marker is applied up and down the sides of the chalkretaining member 206 until it is substantially saturated with it. Theknife 200 is then ready for use. The knife 200 is used for sparring andit effectually, smoothly and reliably applies the chalk under allsparring circumstances. The chalk is not messy, it is dry and does notabsorb, leaves no stains, and it is easy to clean. The chalk does notloosen even at the higher velocities attained by the tip of the knife.Moreover, the chalk is highly consistent and never fails to mark thestrike, no matter how soft the strike or how slow it is (e.g., withfrontal jabs). Most importantly, the knife 200 remains perfectlybalanced as there is no liquid in a reservoir to slosh around.

[0040] One application of chalk to chalk retaining members 206 asdescribed will last for a normal (1 to 20 strike) bout. When the chalkis depleted, another application refreshes the chalk retaining members206 and the knife, if not the user, is ready for more.

[0041] Though the above-described chalk retaining members 206 are bestsuited for use with chalk, a variety of other marking compounds may beused (e.g., lipstick, clown makeup, etc.), in each case being applied upand down the sides of the chalk retaining member 206 until it issubstantially saturated with it.

[0042] Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certainmodifications of the concept underlying the present invention, variousother embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of theembodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to thoseskilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept.It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practicedotherwise than as specifically set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A simulated sharp edged weapon comprising: asimulated blade having a peripheral channel along an edge; amarking-compound-retaining and wicking member seated within saidchannel; a handle attached to the blade; a reservoir in said weapon, forcontaining marking-compound; and means for urging ink from saidreservoir into said marking-compound-retaining and wicking member;whereby marking-compound wicked into said marking-compound retaining andwicking member adheres thereto until said marking-compound retaining andwicking member contacts another surface, thereby marking said surfacewith said marking compound.
 2. The simulated weapon of claim 1 whereinsaid marking-compound retaining and wicking member further comprises acloth rolled about a foam tubule.
 3. The simulated weapon of claim 1wherein said marking-compound retaining and wicking member furthercomprises rolled felt.
 4. The simulated weapon of claim 1 wherein saidmeans for urging ink from said reservoir onto saidmarking-compound-retaining and wicking member comprises a pressurizer.5. The simulated weapon of claim 1 wherein said means for urging inkfrom said reservoir onto said marking-compound-retaining and wickingmember comprises said handle being formed as a squeeze bulb to manuallyurge said marking-compound into said marking-compound-retaining andwicking member.
 6. The simulated weapon of claim 1 wherein said meansfor urging ink from said reservoir onto said marking-compound-retainingand wicking member comprises a plunger seated in said handle forexpelling said marking compound into said marking-compound-retaining andwicking member.
 7. The simulated weapon of claim 1 wherein said blade isa rubber-like material.
 8. The simulated weapon of claim 1 wherein saidblade is a plastic material.
 9. The simulated weapon of claim 1 whereinsaid blade is a wood material.
 10. The simulated weapon of claim 1wherein said blade is a metal material.
 11. The simulated weapon ofclaim 1 wherein said channel is continuous running along a peripheraledge of the blade.
 12. The simulated weapon of claim 10 wherein saidblade is double-edged and said channel is continuous running along bothedges of the blade.
 13. The simulated weapon of claim 10 wherein saidblade is single-edged and said channel is continuous running along saidsingle edge of the blade.
 14. The simulated weapon of claim 10 whereinsaid channel is within a range of from 1-6 mm deep.
 15. The simulatedweapon of claim 1 wherein said marking-compound retaining and wickingmember is removable from said blade.
 16. A simulated sharp edged weaponcomprising: a simulated blade; a marking compound retaining memberadhered along at least one edge of said blade; and a handle attached tothe blade; whereby marking compound applied to said marking compoundretaining member will adhere thereto until it comes into contact withanother surface, thereby marking said surface.
 17. The simulated sharpedged weapon of claim 16, wherein the marking compound retaining memberis adapted for retaining chalk.
 18. The simulated sharp edged weapon ofclaim 16, wherein the marking compound retaining member furthercomprises a moleskin fabric member adhered to said blade.
 19. Thesimulated sharp edged weapon of claim 16 wherein said blade is arubber-like material.
 20. The simulated sharp edged weapon of claim 16wherein said blade is a plastic material.
 21. The simulated sharp edgedweapon of claim 16 wherein said blade is a wood material.
 22. Thesimulated sharp edged weapon of claim 16 wherein said blade is a metalmaterial.
 23. The simulated sharp edged weapon of claim 16 wherein saidmarking compound retaining member further comprises a self-adhesivetemporary glue backing with removable strip.
 24. The simulated sharpedged weapon of claim 16 wherein said blade is double-edged and saidmarking compound retaining member is adhered along both edges of saidblade.
 25. The simulated sharp edged weapon of claim 16 wherein saidblade is single-edged and said marking compound retaining member isadhered along the single edge of said blade.
 26. The simulated sharpedged weapon of claim 16 wherein said marking compound retaining memberis removable.
 27. A martial arts training marker, comprising: a weapon;and a self-adhering chalk retaining member adhered peripherally alongsaid weapon; whereby chalk applied to said chalk retaining member willadhere thereto until it comes into contact with another surface, therebymarking said surface with chalk.